Movable Vehicle Control Element With Piezo-Actuated Magnetic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicles require adaptable and flexible control systems to manage increasing control functions and advanced driver-assistance systems, but existing solutions lack the necessary flexibility and ergonomics for convenient operation.
Innovation Solution
A user control system featuring a control device with a movable operating element that can be wirelessly attached to a control surface, using a piezo actuator to vary the holding force and allow for three configurations: fixed, sliding, and detachable positions, enabling flexible placement and operation on any surface, including displays, with haptic feedback and near-field communication for data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operating elements are fixed on the control surface, then stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element's attachment state is made dynamic through a magnet mechanism that can switch between strongly attached (fixed position), weakly attached (sliding), and detached states. The piezo actuator dynamically adjusts the magnetic attraction force, allowing the element to transition between these states based on operational needs, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attraction force parameter is made variable through the piezo actuator, which changes the distance between the magnet and the control surface. By adjusting this parameter, the system can switch between different attachment strengths, enabling both stable fixed positioning and flexible sliding or detachment as required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operating elements are made detachable, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (screws, clips, adhesives) are replaced with a magnetic field-based attachment system controlled by a piezo actuator. This substitution simplifies the overall structure by eliminating complex mechanical fastening components while providing controlled detachability through electrical actuation of the piezo element.
3Area of stationary object
If control surfaces are maximized for displays, then information display capability is improved, but ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into two functional zones: a large display area for information presentation and movable operating elements for control input. This segmentation allows the display to maximize its area while operating elements can be positioned ergonomically and moved to optimal locations, resolving the contradiction between display size and operational comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating elements are made movable rather than fixed, allowing users to dynamically reposition them to ergonomic locations on the large control surface. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to maintain both large display area and good ergonomics by allowing adaptation of control element positions to user needs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances ergonomics and usability by allowing the operating element to be positioned anywhere on the control surface, providing real haptic feedback and efficient data exchange, thus improving the operability and adaptability of vehicle control systems while maximizing display space.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may be a piezo actuator. A piezo actuator converts electrical energy directly into mechanical energy and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
The operating element may include an integrated metal sheet above the contact surface at a height adjustable by the actuator such that a magnetic force exerted by the magnet layer on the metal sheet acts as holding force on the operating element
Data Source
AI summary
A user control system for controlling a vehicle is provided. The system includes a control device having a control surface; and an operating element configured to receive control commands by a user and to wirelessly exchange control data with the control device to operate the vehicle according to the control commands. The operating element is releasably attached to the control surface via a contact surface. The operating element also has a user operable actuator configured to vary a holding force of the operating element on the control surface according to a user input such that the operating element is fixed in position at the control surface in a first configuration of the actuator, slidably attached to the control surface in a second configuration of the actuator and detachable from the control surface in a third configuration of the actuator.